Reunion Summit Schedule


   

We ask that all guests on campus register for Reunion in order to ensure proper staffing.  

(Please note that events are subject to change)

Saturday, June 22, 2024
8:30 - 9:00 AM Reunion Check-in Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU
9:00 - 10:00 AM Keynote Kick-off Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU
10:15 - 11:15 AM Free Time and Tours Pottery Studio & 
Woodshop/Organ Studio SJU
11:30 - 1:00 PM Midday Prayer and Convivium Emmaus Hall -
Chapel/Dining Room, SJU
1:30 - 2:30 PM Summit Session 1 Emmaus Hall - Room 022, 024
3:00 - 4:00 PM Summit Session 2 Emmaus Hall - Room 022, 024
5:00 - 5:30 PM Evening Mass Emmaus Hall, Chapel, SJU
5:30 - 6:00 PM Happy Hour - Meet the Abbot Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU
6:00 - 8:00 PM All-Class Dinner-Program with Recognition Emmaus Hall -
Dining Room, SJU

Event Details

Reunion Check-in: Coffee and Pastries

Saturday, June 22 | 8:30 - 9:00 AM| Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU

Join us in Emmaus Hall for Coffee and Pastries while you check-in and begin our Ministry for Today Summit!

Keynote Kick-Off: Field Notes for Co-workers in the Vineyard of the Lord

Saturday, June 22 | 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU

Graduate theological and pastoral education provides a rich context for vocational discernment, formation, and theological reflection. Wherever we land after grad school, the context provides important ongoing formation and adaption to our work, theological and ministerial.  The vineyard is not a problem to be solved, rather it is a landscape that offers abundance, connections and resilience.  Overtime, in the vineyard, we realize our learnings and practices can be tweaked, ideas mature gradually and begin to shape themselves anew. It is what Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, SJ calls patient trust. As our practices pass through instability and withering, or in service on bended knee or letting our ideas and ministry mature gradually there have been lessons learned.  Fieldnotes come from observations, theological reflections, spiritual direction, analytical interpretations, personal growth notes, inspiration from scripture and questions for further explorations. Usually we find them highlighted or scratched in the margins of our books and journals.

Barbara will share some of her fieldnotes garnered from nearly 37 years of ministerial practice, teaching, field education and most recently as directing the Thriving Congregations initiative Bridge Builders for a Thriving Mission through the SOT for the church in Central Minnesota. She will also invite each person to reflect on their learning as a co-worker in the vineyard.

Free Time and Tours

Saturday, June 22 | 10:15 - 11:15 AM

Check out spaces on campus!

Pottery Studio, SJU
Have you ever had afternoon tea with Richard Bresnahan in the Pottery Studio? Hear why drinking tea together is ritualized in Japanese culture and what the ceremonious practice symbolizes.

Woodshop/Organ Studio, SJU
Come check out the Abbey Woodshop and the renovations in progress for the new Pasi Organ Studio! Join Fr. Lew Grobe, OSB ('15), for a tour of Abbey Woodworking and the new Organ Studio.

Midday Prayer and Convivium

Saturday, June 22 | 11:30 AM- 1:00 PM | Emmaus Hall - Chapel/Dining Room, SJU

Enjoying another's company, praying and dining together in community. Hosted by the SOT/Sem Alumni Council.

Summit Sessions: Boots on the Ground

Saturday, June 22 | Emmaus Hall - Classrooms 022 & 024, SJU

Listen as they share more about their experiences in ministry, what it is like to work in that area of ministry, and what they've learned in the field.

Session 1 | 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Choose between Tony Romaine ('13) - Pastor of First United Parish in Little Falls, MN, or Jessie Bazan ('17) - Associate Director of the Benedictine Institute in Collegeville, MN. 

Session 2 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Choose between Kristi Bivens ('08) - Associate Director of Lay Leadership Formation, Catholic Education Ministries Office - Diocese of St. Cloud, MN, or Timothy Johnston ('08) - Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Chicago, IL. 

Evening Mass with Fr. Dale

Saturday, June 22 | 5:00-5:30 PM | Emmaus Hall - Chapel, SJU

Celebrate Mass with Fr. Dale Launderville, OSB ('79), and pray together as a community.

Alumni Happy Hour: Meet the Abbot!

Saturday, June 22 | 5:30-6:00 PM | Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU

Join us for a social gathering before dinner. It is an excellent opportunity to engage other alumni/ae. 
Meet the new Abbot! Abbot Doug Mullin, OSB ('82), is joining us for a meet-and-greet opportunity with the SOT/Sem Community.

All-Class Dinner-Program, and Recognition

Saturday, June 22 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Emmaus Hall - Dining Room, SJU

Reminisce with classmates, create new memories, and cheer to years of friendship.
Hear from the 11th Abbot of Saint John's Abbey: Douglas Mullin, OSB ('82), as he closes our Ministry for Today Summit. Celebrate as we honor Laura Fanucci ('09) with the Sister Mary Anthony Wagner Award. Join in appreciation for Timothy Johnston's ('08) service Co-Chairing the Alumni Council these past two years. Toast to fellow alumni/ae celebrating their milestone year reunion. Finally, receive a blessing from the Abbot.

Questions?